When people hear “chiropractic,” they usually think of spine problems and back pain. While this is true, chiropractic treats all types of musculoskeletal conditions other than spine conditions. A perfect example of what chiropractic medicine can treat is joint pain.
Chiropractic works for joints all over the body, including ankles, knees, shoulders, hips, and wrists. It is a natural, whole-body approach to health care and wellness as a very effective way to manage chronic joint pain such as arthritis or joint pain due to injury.
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There are several reasons that a joint may become painful and immobile. Injury or trauma to the joint, such as a fall, being hit while playing sports, or being involved in a car accident, can cause injury. Microtrauma occurs due to a repetitive use injury such as working on an assembly line or using a computer all day, which can also cause damage resulting in pain.
Sometimes an inflammatory diet can cause problems, and stress can also certainly be a factor. Stress affects the entire body, including chemicals and hormones that can lead to joint damage or weakness, making you more prone to injury.
Finally, age may be a factor. As we get older, our bodies don’t hold up like they once did. This can mean joint pain and decreased range of motion. The colder months can instigate pain in the major joints, including the knees, back, hips, and shoulders.
The short answer to this is that researchers aren’t sure. One of the most popular theories is that low-pressure systems typically accompany cooler temps. The lower pressure can cause the tissues in already sensitive joints to expand, creating a perfect environment for inflammation, including aches, tenderness, decreased range of motion, and swelling.
Other factors affecting joint pain in cooler weather are low-level dehydration, a sedentary lifestyle, and depression or “the blues.” Low-level dehydration is more common than you may think; most people do not have adequate water intake.
Sodas don’t count as hydration, and this can be a real problem. Generally, people don’t hydrate when the weather is cool – or not as much as they did during the warm summer months.
When the weather cools down, people become less active, especially if there is snow and ice on the ground. Lack of exercise can lead to severe joint problems.
Depression can also impact your entire body, including your joints. Many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD, and doctors believe that it occurs because of the shorter days and generally darker skies during the winter months. Depression and anxiety have strong ties to chronic pain as a whole, including joint pain.
Chiropractic provides an all-natural, holistic approach to health care and pain management. It does not use medications or invasive medical procedures.
The chiropractor usually begins by aligning the spine, which is called an “adjustment.” This brings the body back into alignment so that it can function more efficiently and with less pain. The patient may also be given recommendations on lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, exercise, and supplements.
When the body is aligned, the entire system is balanced, allowing the body to work at a more optimal rate. As a result, the range of motion improves, and the pain is decreased or even eliminated.
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on "Chiropractic Care Relieves Joint Pain" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
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We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
License Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
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